The impunity that prevails in Mexico is systemic and endemic. It is one of the main challenges of the federal government in order to ensure the protection of human rights, end the extrajudicial killings and bring before civilian courts military personnel involved in the commission of crimes, including homicide, warned Christof Heyns, Special Rapporteur on Extrajudical Summary or Arbitrary Executions for the United Nations.
Yesterday the rapporteur concluded his 11-day visit to Mexico, during which he was in the states of Chihuahua, Guerrero and Nuevo León. Among other things, he confirmed the need to apply existing laws effectively. Constitutional reforms and new arrangements protect women, human rights defenders and journalists, but until they are applied, the impunity and mistrust of institutions will persist.
At a press conference, Heyns stressed the importance of accountability, the solution of the homicides committed in the past, both during the guerra sucia [dirty war, late 1960's to late 1970's] and the more than 100,000 registered during the government of Felipe Calderón. Any strategy for the future, he said, "must first look back". This is the key for ultimately breaking the cycle of violence, he affirmed.
At a press conference, Heyns stressed the importance of accountability, the solution of the homicides committed in the past, both during the guerra sucia [dirty war, late 1960's to late 1970's] and the more than 100,000 registered during the government of Felipe Calderón. Any strategy for the future, he said, "must first look back". This is the key for ultimately breaking the cycle of violence, he affirmed.
During his stay in Mexico, the Rapporteur met with more than 120 federal and state government officials, in whom he perceived the conviction that the military's involvement in police work does not work. Hence the project of Enrique Peña Nieto's administration to create the national gendarmerie.
However, Heyns said, very little is known about the initiative. He noted that the police must operate under the guidance of a specific law, under the direction of civilians and with a guarantee of transparency and accountability. Most importantly, he pointed out, is "that [gendarmerie] does not become an army in another uniform".
In the officials with whom he met, he recognized the will to improve the protection of human rights as well as speed up the process for members of the Army involved in crimes to be tried in civilian courts. Heyns recalled that this is not the first time that it has been recommended to the Mexican government, but now he received assurances that this will be done and that they are already engaged in developing the legal framework.
Regarding the situation of impunity, he took up again the official figures that speak of 102,696 intentional homicides committed during the past six years, of which about 70,000 are drug-related, but only one to two percent conclude with a conviction.
Regarding the situation of impunity, he took up again the official figures that speak of 102,696 intentional homicides committed during the past six years, of which about 70,000 are drug-related, but only one to two percent conclude with a conviction.
It is, he said, that the judicial investigations are poor and often it is the families of the victims who collect information and evidence. However, when there is a presumption that a case is linked to organized crime, the police investigation quickly close the case as if it were not necessary to determine responsibility.
During presentation of a preliminary report and the 31 recommendations made to the federal government, Christof Heyns also commented that he has "a strong impression" that Mexico lacks a law regarding the use of force.
During presentation of a preliminary report and the 31 recommendations made to the federal government, Christof Heyns also commented that he has "a strong impression" that Mexico lacks a law regarding the use of force.
Similarly, he recommended creation of a national institute of forensic science, which must have both adequate infrastructure, and the human and financial resources needed to eradicate current deficiencies.
During his visit, Heyns also held meetings with civil society organizations, victims and their families, who commented on other issues: the alteration of crime scenes so victims appear to be criminals and confessions obtained through torture that are then used to hold innocent people as responsible for crimes. The Rapporteur stated that while the federal government may accept the visit of the UN rapporteur, it is more important that the judgments rendered by him are completed, above all because the laws already guarantee this. Again, what is missing is effective implementation of the laws. Spanish original
During his visit, Heyns also held meetings with civil society organizations, victims and their families, who commented on other issues: the alteration of crime scenes so victims appear to be criminals and confessions obtained through torture that are then used to hold innocent people as responsible for crimes. The Rapporteur stated that while the federal government may accept the visit of the UN rapporteur, it is more important that the judgments rendered by him are completed, above all because the laws already guarantee this. Again, what is missing is effective implementation of the laws. Spanish original